Should I Take Menstrual Induction Medication? Your Options

Should I take menstrual induction medication?

My period started on August 12, and I was supposed to get it again on September 12, but now it's October 10, and I haven't had it for a full two months.
I used condoms throughout, and on September 29, I took a pregnancy test that showed one line.
I took another test on October 2, and it also showed one line.
On October 8, I visited a gynecologist who performed an ultrasound and found no signs of pregnancy.
The doctor prescribed me medication to induce my period.
Should I take it, or should I wait for my period to come naturally? I'm worried that taking the medication might worsen my irregular menstrual cycles.
My periods in June and July were irregular, coming every three weeks, resulting in three periods in those two months, but this time it has been delayed for two months.
Doctor, could my pre-existing irregular cycles be the reason for this delay? Is there still a possibility of pregnancy? Thank you, doctor!

Min Min, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/10/12

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
After two pregnancy tests conducted at least 15 days after sexual intercourse, the results can be trusted, indicating that there is no pregnancy.

2.
Since there has been irregular menstruation, it is advisable to take medication to induce menstruation, at least to expel the menstrual blood that is already present in the uterus.
If one waits for it to occur naturally, it may continue indefinitely.

3.
Indeed, there has been irregular menstruation for several months.
It is recommended to maintain a regular schedule, ensure adequate sleep, avoid excessive stress, and engage in moderate exercise to facilitate the restoration of normal menstrual cycles.

Respectfully, Dr.
Li-Cheng Lu, Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2015/10/12

More Info

When considering whether to take menstrual induction medication, it's essential to understand your individual situation and the potential implications of such treatment. Based on your description, you have experienced a significant delay in your menstrual cycle, with your last period occurring on August 12 and no menstruation since then, despite negative pregnancy tests. You have also mentioned a history of irregular menstrual cycles, which can complicate the decision-making process.

Firstly, it is crucial to recognize that menstrual irregularities can stem from various factors, including hormonal imbalances, stress, changes in weight, and underlying medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders. Given that you have experienced irregular cycles in the past, this may suggest that your body is prone to fluctuations in menstrual regularity. The fact that you had three menstrual cycles in June and July, followed by a two-month delay, could indicate that your menstrual cycle is inherently irregular.

Regarding the use of menstrual induction medication, such as progestin or other hormonal treatments, these medications can help stimulate the onset of menstruation. However, they are typically prescribed after a thorough evaluation of the underlying causes of amenorrhea (the absence of menstruation). Since your doctor has performed an ultrasound and found no signs of pregnancy, it may be reasonable to consider the medication, especially if your doctor believes it is appropriate for your situation.

That said, you expressed concerns about the potential for worsening irregularities in the future. It's valid to be cautious about introducing hormonal medications, particularly if you have a history of irregular cycles. Hormonal treatments can sometimes lead to side effects, including changes in cycle regularity, mood swings, and other hormonal-related symptoms. Therefore, it is essential to have an open discussion with your healthcare provider about your concerns. They can provide insights into the expected outcomes of taking the medication versus waiting for your cycle to return naturally.

If you choose to wait for your period to return on its own, it is essential to monitor your body for any additional symptoms or changes. If you experience significant discomfort, unusual symptoms, or if your period does not return within a reasonable timeframe, it would be prudent to follow up with your healthcare provider.

As for the possibility of pregnancy, since you have taken multiple pregnancy tests that have returned negative results, it is unlikely that you are pregnant. However, if you continue to have concerns about pregnancy or if your menstrual irregularities persist, it may be beneficial to discuss further testing or evaluation with your doctor.

In summary, the decision to take menstrual induction medication should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider, considering your medical history, current symptoms, and personal preferences. Open communication with your doctor will help ensure that you make an informed choice that aligns with your health needs and concerns.

Similar Q&A

What to Do If You Forget to Take Your Menstrual Induction Medication?

Hello, doctor. I previously visited an obstetrician-gynecologist. The doctor prescribed me a medication to induce menstruation, stating that it is natural progesterone, which can be used to support pregnancy if I am pregnant, or to induce menstruation if I am not. The recommended...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
The doctor prescribed a menstrual induction medication, stating that it is natural progesterone, which can be used to support pregnancy if one is pregnant, or to induce menstruation if not. The recommended dosage is two tablets taken at bedtime for seven days. However, I forgot t...

How to Use Menstrual Induction Medication Safely?

Hello, doctor. My last two menstrual cycles were from October 7 to October 12 and from November 13 to November 17. I expect my period to start around December 17-18. However, I will be traveling abroad for a week in January, from January 29 to February 2. I would like to have a c...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, you can take medications to induce menstruation or to delay menstruation. Please visit a gynecologist for consultation. Wishing you good health.

Managing Menstrual Irregularities: Delaying Your Period Safely

I have irregular menstrual cycles, but they usually occur around the middle of the month. I would like to postpone my period for at least eleven days. Should I take medication to delay my period or medication to induce my period? If I only take the medication to delay my period, ...

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. If menstruation is delayed for more than a week, it cannot be guaranteed; it is recommended to consider using menstrual induction methods. 2. The dosage of menstrual induction medication should be evaluated by an obstetrician-gynecologist to achieve the desired effect.

Should You Take Menstrual Induction Medication? Risks and Considerations

Hello Doctor: My menstrual period was from July 9 to July 14, but I took antibiotics from July 8 to July 13 and again from July 23 to July 24 due to a urinary tract infection. My menstrual cycle is approximately 26 days, so my next period was expected around August 4, but it has ...

Dr. Chen Liqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
If pregnancy is confirmed, do not take any medications to induce menstruation. There are many types of medications available for this purpose, and each physician has their own preferences, so it is not possible to determine whether using them in early pregnancy would affect the f...